Good morning, Auburn.

Auburn’s historic campus features landmarks that blend tradition and education.

Samford Hall was partly built with bricks from Old Main and named to honor Gov. Samford while Toomer’s Corner and Toomer’s Drugs host block parties and display campus quirks — maintaining Auburn’s cultural heritage.

Opelika Parks and Recreation will host the 73rd Annual Freedom Celebration at Opelika High School Track on Friday, July 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. The free event features live music by Route 66, a skydiving display by the Silver Wings Parachute Team and one of the area’s largest fireworks shows.

Auburn's Paper Dolls Needlepoint opened in March to offer premium supplies for needlepoint projects to both new and experienced stitchers.

Owner Katie Cagle said the store provides local finishing services + a beginner kit for children who are keen to try the craft.

Kylie Hogue has taken charge as the new director of the Museum of East Alabama in Opelika, where she plans to bring history to life through programs like A Night at the Museum and lunch lectures.

The museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday (free admission) and fresh exhibits.

Local author Mark Fuller released his book Dad on the Clock with fatherhood advice and community insights to help dads value time with kids; he also provides life-coaching and athletic training at his P360 Performance Sports facility in Opelika (a local staple) to encourage family closeness.

Kade McGee, Opelika High School’s first full-time strength coach, has upgraded the indoor facility with new equipment (power racks, cable machines, and data-tracking systems) to boost athlete safety and performance.

Ja’Kobe Tharp set a world record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 12.75 at Hayward Field earlier this week and later defended his NCAA title with a 12.90 finish.

Auburn’s relay team and sprinters also posted record times as the school finished sixth nationally.

Four players with Alabama ties — Brendan Donovan, Gunnar Henderson, Jeremiah Jackson, and Chandler Simpson — are on the ballot for MLB’s 2026 All-Star Game.

Fan voting, which began on June 3 and ends June 25, will decide the starting lineups; the game is set for 7 p.m. July 14.

Auburn hosted its first international soccer match on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium where Argentina beat Iceland 3-0.

Lionel Messi (the reigning World Cup champion) scored a decisive penalty as over 88,000 fans set a new record for attendance.

High school teams played the LaFayette play day on June 8 at Valley Parks and Recreation Center and local schools to prepare for the next season; coach Chase Lewis said the event offered relaxed competitive practice (teams from East Alabama and West Georgia competed) and plans to expand future events.

Opelika Blaze travel ball team invites girls 12 and younger to try out at West Ridge Park on June 28 and July 19 at 2 p.m. following the cancellation of the middle school softball program, with practices set to begin the first week of August.

Auburn Summer Camp: Week 7

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM — Chewacla State Park — Registration Required — A fun-filled week of outdoor activities for kids aged 5-14.